condescending explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"condescending explanation" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing an explanation that is delivered in a patronizing or superior manner. For example, "Her condescending explanation made him feel belittled." Alternative expressions include "patronizing explanation" and "supercilious explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Stanley B. Williams Atlanta, April 15 , 2008• To the Editor: Bob Herbert decries the portrayal of Senator Barack Obama by his critics as divisive after his condescending explanation of a lack of support among white working-class voters.

The New York Times

The State Department posted a condescending explanation about why we need to be able to destroy the world within 4 minutes, assuring us that this was safe and reasonable.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Before today, when skeptics made this same argument about needing a new law to constrain the government, they were met with puzzled expressions and condescending explanations of the ways in which law already constrained the government.

The New Yorker

To many readers, it sounded more like 2007 — when Jezebel was launched — or even 1971, the beginning of Ms. Recently, the blogosphere coined a new term, "mansplaining," which describes, according to Urbandictionary.com, a tone that men adopt when talking to women, characterized by "condescending, inaccurate explanations delivered with rock solid confidence of rightness".

The New Yorker

Let's assume, for a quiet life, there's some acceptable non-condescending explanation of the word – I mean, I guess it wasn't that practical to dig up turnips in a suit or carry bales of hay in a boob tube – and run with the moniker.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They may view your explanations as condescending.

WikiHow

His explanations were met with condescending smiles.

Wikipedia

It's not condescending.

The New York Times

BARTLET Appear condescending.

The New York Times

Talk about condescending talk?

The New Yorker

"They were very condescending.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the situation when using this phrase, as it carries a strong negative connotation and can be perceived as accusatory.

Common error

Avoid using "condescending explanation" to describe situations where someone is simply explaining something in a clear or simplified manner. Ensure genuine condescension is present before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "condescending explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "condescending" modifies the noun "explanation". It describes a specific type of explanation characterized by a tone of superiority. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "condescending explanation" describes an explanation delivered with an air of superiority, implying the recipient's lack of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, while grammatically correct, this phrase is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to criticize or negatively characterize the manner in which information is conveyed. Related phrases like ""patronizing explanation"" and ""arrogant explanation"" offer alternative ways to express this sentiment. It's crucial to use "condescending explanation" accurately, ensuring the context genuinely reflects a patronizing attitude rather than simple clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patronizing explanation

Replaces "condescending" with a synonym that also implies a superior attitude.

arrogant explanation

Focuses on the arrogance conveyed in the explanation.

supercilious explanation

Uses a more formal synonym for "condescending", indicating haughtiness.

patronizing account

Substitutes "explanation" with "account", changing the noun while maintaining the condescending tone.

belittling explanation

Highlights the effect of the explanation, which is to make someone feel small or unimportant.

disdainful explanation

Emphasizes the feeling of contempt conveyed by the explanation.

haughty explanation

Emphasizes the quality of being arrogant and superior.

superior explanation

Directly states the perceived superiority in the explanation.

smug explanation

Highlights the self-satisfaction of the person giving the explanation.

offensive explanation

Focuses on the negative impact the explanation has on the receiver.

FAQs

What does "condescending explanation" mean?

A "condescending explanation" is an explanation given in a manner that implies the recipient is less intelligent or knowledgeable than the speaker. It often involves oversimplification or a tone of superiority.

How to identify a "condescending explanation"?

A "condescending explanation" often involves overly simplistic language, a patronizing tone, and an assumption that the listener lacks basic knowledge. The speaker may use phrases that belittle the listener's intelligence.

What are some alternatives to "condescending explanation"?

Alternatives include "patronizing explanation", "arrogant explanation", or "supercilious explanation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to give a "condescending explanation"?

While the term "condescending explanation" inherently carries a negative connotation, in very rare cases, a simplified explanation might be necessary for clarity, but it risks being perceived as condescending if not delivered carefully. Always consider your audience.